Rod Temperton, the songwriter behind Michael Jackson's Thriller and Rock With You, has died of cancer at the age of 66, his music publisher has announced.

Jon Platt, chairman and chief executive of Warner/Chappell, said in a statement: "Rod Temperton, British composer and musician, died last week at the age of 66 in London following a brief aggressive battle with cancer.

"His funeral was private."

He added: "He was often referred to as the Invisible Man. He was the sole writer of multiple successful songs such as Thriller, Off The Wall, Rock With You, Give Me The Night, Sweet Freedom, Always & Forever and Boogie Nights, to name just a few.

"His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times."

Temperton began his career as a member of the disco band Heatwave, penning the 1970s hits Always And Forever and Boogie Nights for the group.

Temperton, standing far left, in the funk and disco band Heatwave in 1976Credit:
Getty Images

He collaborated with the likes of Anita Baker, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin and the Brothers Johnson.

But he was best known for writing songs for Jackson's albums Off The Wall and Thriller, after working with the singer's producer Quincy Jones.

When he joined Heatwave, Temperton had been working in a frozen fish factory in Grimsby.